The Thomas Crown Affair 2 News

Hot off the publicity trail for Mamma Mia!, Pierce Brosnan discussed his next project, The Thomas Crown Affair 2, with USA Today.

Brosnan told them that although the new film is based off the 1964 film Topkapi, "We are just using a sliver of that."  Apparently the film will share the same setting, Istanbul. 

This time around the billionaire thief won't be going after any paintings.  Crown will be going after a rare diamond.

Rene Russo will not return, but instead a new female lead will star alongside Brosnan.  Angelina Jolie is currently under consideration.  As Brosnan says, "This is a different affair."

This time around, the film will be directed by Paul Verhoeven (Robocop, Starship Troopers, Show Girls) who according to Brosnan "does sexy very well."  Which means Brosnan plans to "go to the gym to get rid of [his] Mamma Mia! middle."

Pierce, for 55, I'd say you look pretty damn good just the way you are.

Director Paul Verhoeven will go behind the camera for The Thomas Crown Affair 2, according to a report in Variety.

The controversial helmer, who fled Hollywood following the critical mauling dished out to his horror/thriller Hollow Man, will return for the sequel to the 1999 hit about a rich playboy turned thief. Pierce Brosnan will be back in the title role.

Rene Russo, however, will not return as love interest Catherine Banning.

The film's plot, based on the 1964 film Topkapi and Eric Ambler's novel The Light of the Day, will revolve around the billionaire becoming embroiled in a centuries-old feud that leads him to Europe and the Middle East.